A’ja Wilson will officially join the University of South Carolina Athletics Hall of Fame this October. The Las Vegas Aces star earned this honor after her legendary four-year career with the Gamecocks. She stands among six former student-athletes selected for the 2025 induction class.
The ceremony will take place on October 23, 2025, at the university. Wilson and her fellow inductees will be celebrated during South Carolina’s football game against Alabama on October 25. This timing adds extra significance to an already momentous occasion for Gamecock athletics.
Wilson’s selection represents the pinnacle of recognition for college athletic achievement. Her jersey number 22 was already retired by the university last season. Now, her Hall of Fame induction cements her legacy as one of South Carolina’s greatest athletes ever.
Record-Breaking Gamecock Career Spans 2014-2018
Wilson dominated college basketball during her time at South Carolina from 2014 to 2018. She became the school’s all-time leading scorer with 2,389 career points. Her offensive prowess helped transform the Gamecocks into a national basketball powerhouse.
Defensively, Wilson was equally impressive throughout her collegiate career. She holds the school record for career blocks with 363 total rejections. Her 2.6 blocks per game average also stands as a program record that may never be broken.
Wilson’s rebounding ability rounded out her complete skill set on the court. She ranks fourth in South Carolina history with 1,195 career rebounds. These statistics demonstrate her impact on both ends of the floor throughout four seasons.
Historic National Championship and Individual Accolades
The 2017 season marked the pinnacle of Wilson’s college career and South Carolina basketball history. She led the Gamecocks to their first-ever NCAA National Championship that year. Wilson earned Most Outstanding Player honors at the Final Four for her championship performance.
Her individual awards showcase consistent excellence throughout her time in Columbia. Wilson became the first four-time All-American in South Carolina history. She earned first-team All-American honors three times in 2016, 2017, and 2018.
Wilson’s dominance in the Southeastern Conference was equally remarkable during her career. She won SEC Player of the Year three consecutive times from 2016 through 2018. Additionally, she earned SEC Defensive Player of the Year honors twice in 2016 and 2018.
Professional Success Continues Hall of Fame Legacy
Wilson’s professional career has validated her college success since entering the WNBA in 2018. The Las Vegas Aces selected her first overall in that year’s draft. She has continued breaking records and winning championships at the professional level.
Recently, Wilson became the fastest woman in WNBA history to score 5,000 career points. This milestone occurred in June 2025, demonstrating her sustained excellence. On August 6, she joined an elite group as the 10th player to record 500 career blocks.
Her international success has brought additional glory to her alma mater. Wilson has won two Olympic gold medals with Team USA in 2020 and 2024. These achievements reflect the winning culture she helped establish at South Carolina.
Six-Member Hall of Fame Class Represents Athletic Excellence
Wilson joins five other outstanding former Gamecocks in the 2025 Hall of Fame class. Natasha Hastings represented women’s track and field from 2005-2007 with distinction. Brandon Hulko excelled in men’s diving from 1999-2002 during his collegiate career.
Paul Jubb made his mark in men’s tennis from 2016-2020 at South Carolina. Akram Mahmoud dominated in men’s swimming from 2014-2018 alongside Wilson’s basketball career. Mollie Patton starred in women’s soccer from 2006-2010, completing the diverse athletic representation.
This class demonstrates the breadth of athletic excellence at South Carolina across multiple sports. Each inductee achieved the highest levels of success in their respective disciplines. Together, they represent the university’s commitment to championship-level competition in all sports.
October Ceremony Celebrates Gamecock Athletic Tradition
The October 23 induction ceremony will honor these six exceptional former student-athletes appropriately. University officials will recognize their contributions to South Carolina’s athletic legacy during the event. The ceremony represents a celebration of sustained excellence across multiple decades.
The timing with the Alabama football game adds extra significance to the weekend. October 25 will provide a large audience to celebrate these Hall of Fame inductees. This scheduling demonstrates the university’s commitment to honoring its greatest athletic alumni.
Wilson’s presence will undoubtedly draw significant attention to the entire weekend celebration. Her current WNBA stardom brings national recognition to South Carolina’s athletic program. The ceremony serves as both recognition of past achievements and inspiration for current athletes.
Lasting Impact on South Carolina Women’s Basketball
Wilson’s Hall of Fame induction represents the culmination of her transformative impact on the program. She elevated South Carolina from competitive team to national championship contender during her tenure. Current and future Gamecocks continue benefiting from the foundation she helped establish.
The retired jersey number 22 serves as a daily reminder of her contributions. Young players see her achievements displayed prominently in team facilities. Her example demonstrates what’s possible through dedication, hard work, and commitment to excellence.
Wilson’s legacy extends beyond individual statistics and awards to cultural transformation. She helped establish a winning mentality that persists in the program today. The Hall of Fame recognition formalizes her status as a program icon forever.
